Difference between revisions of "2027-2028 Operating Guidelines"
Cellsworth (Talk | contribs) |
Cellsworth (Talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 47: | Line 47: | ||
==Lake Powell operations:== | ==Lake Powell operations:== | ||
| − | For the August 24-Month study, perform Exhibit Runs using the following potential release volumes [with LTEMP monthly volumes] in descending order to determine an initial Water Year release volume that maintains a minimum Lake Powell elevation of 3510' throughout the WY. | + | For the August 24-Month study, perform Exhibit Runs using the following potential release volumes [with LTEMP monthly volumes] in descending order to determine an initial Water Year release volume that maintains a minimum Lake Powell elevation of 3510' throughout the WY. [[File:LakePowellOperations.png|right|400px]] |
===Upper Elevation Range: === | ===Upper Elevation Range: === | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
===Elevation between 1125' and 1220' (full pool)=== | ===Elevation between 1125' and 1220' (full pool)=== | ||
| − | If the most probable rises above 1125' in the next 12 months | + | If the most probable rises above 1125' in the next 12 months[[File:LakeMeadOperations.png|right|700px]] |
*Consult to increase apportionment above 6.25 maf | *Consult to increase apportionment above 6.25 maf | ||
Revision as of 12:46, 4 September 2026
 The post placed in the 1920s by the USGS at "Lee Ferry" marking the division of the upper and lower basins |
2027-2028 Operating GuidelinesSeveral reservoir and water management decisional documents and agreements that govern the operation of Colorado River facilities and management of the Colorado River are scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. These include the 2007 Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead (2007 Interim Guidelines), the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans, as well as international agreements between the United States and Mexico pursuant to the United States-Mexico Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (1944 Water Treaty). The Post-2026 process was a multi-year NEPA process that set out to develop long-term successor operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead to replace expiring agreements. The process was formally initiated in June 2023 with the Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Throughout the process, extensive stakeholder engagement occurred, with a particular focus on developing a range of alternatives over a two‑and‑a‑half‑year period. Six alternatives were developed and evaluated to capture a broad range of operational concepts and potential environmental impacts, though consensus on long‑term operations was not reached. After the publication of the Final EIS on July 31, 2026, the process is concluding with issuance of the Record of Decision on August 21, 2026, which adopts the Preferred Alternative’s "Decision Framework." Pursuant to the Record of Decision, the first set of guidelines—the 2027–2028 Operating Guidelines—were also issued.[1] |
| -- |
-- |
-- |
|---|
|
|
